proper care

"Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:2-3 

Where you lead, they will follow.
How you lead, they will learn.
Why you lead, they will know, grow and prosper.
  
As you labor in love, you are right where God wants you and needs you.
May you enJOY a peace-filled weekend!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

cross thoughts

"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

The first days of school are over, but hopefully not your excitement.  Keep the thrill and joy of the new school year in your heart by staying in touch with our Father every morning.  

May these cross thoughts aid in strengthening your focus, direction and joy for a glory-filled day.

Cross out all others, and put God at the top of your lesson plan... in ink.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

in for the long haul

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

The walk is a little slower, the smiles not quite as wide, the arrival time a bit later.  School is back in full swing and some of the normal patterns and habits of old are beginning to appear. Are you ready for whatever is in store for you this year?

The joy of the journey ahead depends a lot on us... our attitudes, our actions and our reactions.  We can influence for a better or eternal future in another, but it takes work, patience, love and a belief we can conquer the battles ahead.  Or i should say, a belief that God will provide opportunities for victories as we obediently allow Him to work in our lives. His calling in our life is for good... through our trust in Him, His glory will shine as a witness to others.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it, 
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ encourage

"Encourage one another daily..."  Hebrews 3:13 

From the youngest to the oldest, it's always right... it's always needed.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like believe it,
veneal

who's your twin?

 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Preparing for the students' arrival for a new year, our administration doctored and fixed "meet the teacher" bulletin boards. 

"Did you see our bitmojis?"

"Yes, i did. I knew we'd both be holding a book."

"Well, you need to go take a closer look at them."

Books weren't the only thing my co-worker and i had in common.  Just like many days at school we were dressed alike. And just like in real life, the bitmoji twinning was unplanned. The saying, we become like those we're around, is true.  Over 18 years of togetherness has produced many twin days and moments for us... in looks, thoughts and actions.

Father, not only do we outwardly become more like the people we are around, we also become more like them inwardly too. I pray it's even more true with You.  As i spend more time with You, i want to better reflect Your ways.  Help me encourage, assist and respond to those in my path with kindness, patience and compassion. The eyes on us today will be the mirror of our ways tomorrow.  And the more we look like You from inside out, the better our world will be for all.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

it's the week... end

"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11

Lord,

I am rejoicing not because it's the end of the school week, but because it is the beginning of the weekend and time for refreshment and renewal in You.  It's been an exciting first week... FULL of fun, activity and movement. There have been some unexpected changes, hiccups, and confusion; yet because i rest in You, i can still experience peace. Help me set aside some needed quiet time this weekend with You, so i may return Monday with renewed strength.  With You, all things are possible.

Thank you, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

A+ for all!

"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord..." Acts 3:19

Smile!

There is nothing much better than the first days of school.  Everyone starts with a clean slate... no strikes, no demerits, no detention, no zeros.  From grades to behavior, each and everyone has straight A's.  No wonder the halls are full of smiles and good cheer! It's a wonderful beginning, no matter what the past was.

When we ask for forgiveness and approach the throne of grace, we have that same wonderful opportunity.  Our Father wipes away all the failures, shortcomings and sins in our lives and remembers them no more.  We are then able to smile with a full heart and serve Him in A+ style.  

No matter where one has been or what has happened in the past, there is nothing more refreshing or uplifting than a new start!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it, 
veneal

time for new beginnings

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! " Isaiah 43:18-19

If last year was filled with hardships and struggles, God has Good News to share.  What lies ahead is a new year, new opportunities, new friends, new material, new start, new growth.

It's time for putting behind the past and moving forward with a renewing of mind, soul and spirit. Praying for Him to lead us into this new year with His Wisdom, Peace, Strength, Joy and Truth.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

soul food is best!

"... Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'" John 21:15 

Father, help us to feed all our students with love, understanding, compassion, patience, kindness and truth.  With You by our side, i know we can. Thank You!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

first day jitters

"May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

First day of school... 

How's the hair?
Does this outfit meet school code?
Where are all my notebooks?
Did i get enough supplies?
Wonder what my passwords are??
What happened to my snack?
I hope they like me!

Besides students, some teachers will be having these same questions.  Fortunately once at school, many of the anxieties will dissipate. 

And do you know what will be biggest stress reliever to your students??  Your big smile and welcoming arms.

Jitter bug hugs are best and what is needed most today.  Everything else will fall into place just fine.

I HOPE and TRUST you enJOY your first day!!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

'twas the night before school

"I will give you as a light to the nations, which my salvation may reach to the end of the earth." Isaiah 49:6

‘Twas the night before school and all thru the town,

Children were filled with delight and couldn’t settle down.

Their book bags by the door were packed with care,

Knowing a new school year was almost there.

The children were giggling and tossing in bed,

While visions of super teachers danced in their heads.

Now, across the way, teachers were finally at rest,

They had busily prepared for "day one" - to their very best.

Then out came the sun, shining so bright.

The teachers feared they'd overslept the night!

With a deep breath they grabbed their glasses and peered at the clock,

Alas! there was plenty of time before the school doors were unlocked.

Arriving early for a final check of the room before the bell at a quarter to 8, 

The teachers breathed easily for their classrooms looked great.

The books and supplies were stacked neatly on shiny, clean desks,

The chairs were in perfect order… there was absolutely no mess.

Soon the bell rang, and one-by-one the children eagerly came;

What sweet music to their ears as the teacher called them by name.

Hello Ben, Hi there Emma, Louise and Jada,

Welcome to our class Anna, Tommy and MaKayla!

Come on in Craig, Rashaad and you too, Donna Sue! 

Oh, my! Look at my list, what a wonderful crew!

Now find your seats quickly, the teacher said with a grin,

And she explained classroom instructions so everyone could win.

Her knowledge was vast and she made learning a ball,  

What the teacher had to offer was her gift for all.

The children drooled over the information she shared;

Whether they learned quickly or not, they knew she truly cared.

The teacher lovingly taught all because she truly believed,

Each child deserved her best…and she wanted to meet their needs.

At the end of the day, students and teachers skipped away,

Both feeling happy and relieved it had been such a great day.

And I heard the students exclaim as they rode out of sight,

My teacher is great!! this year is going to be just right!

Yes, my friends, you teachers have the power,

To serve the Lord, our Father and Teacher, each and every hour.

So to Him give your best in all that you do,

And you will make a difference in others, perhaps for an eternity too!

Shine my sisters and brothers, light up your classroom and world!

It's the beginning of a fabulous school year!  And it all starts with wonderful you!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it!

veneal

so, you teach?

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach..." Romans 12:6-7

What you do is God's gift to you.  What you do with that gift is your gift to God.

Teaching.. it's a gift from God. And the best gift you can give back to God is not a  pretty Pinterest-perfect room, but a tender, in-touch-with heart allowing Him to branch out through you in love and goodness, touching all students in your path. 

Gifts from God are the best, and you are the best teacher for your class.  Accept His gift with joy, believe Him and let Him shine through your words and actions.  You are going to be a rich blessing to those students claiming you as theirs.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

it's time

"For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:9

It's time.  Time to prepare for a new season of growth.

Teachers plant seeds of hope and knowledge; all school staff members contribute by watering with love, encouragement and guidance; and God blesses in growth. 

We are all a part of His perfect plan. It's going to be a God-tacular year!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

regrets or relief?

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13-14

Sometimes you have to read between the lines when asking others about their summer.

Due to circumstances, maybe it was too short or even too long for you. While some might regret it's over, others are actually relieved. It was not full of Hallmark moments for all.

Looking ahead to today, i pray it's a wonderful one as you prepare for the new school year. And here's some Good News for everyone -- there are many little gems very excited about seeing you soon!  

#countingourblessings  #Godisgood


we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

let it begin!

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

Today is the first day back to school for me and many others... and soon everyone.

Are you rejoicing? Raise your hand, because with God we got this!

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it!
veneal

i want to be ----

"It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Dueteronomy  31:8

What do you want to be?
a manager
a spouse
an officer
a chairperson
a parent
an entrepreneur 
a team leader

Father, of all things i can be, to BE WITH YOU is my greatest desire and joy.  All else are extra blessings.

 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a war zone

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13

If you want to witness a feisty fight, just put a hummingbird feeder in your yard; and the war is on.  Until this summer, i considered hummingbirds quick, dainty creatures.  Now i realize they're quite selfish too. 

When outside, i've had to constantly dodge this greedy breed like flying water balloons. They are bent on charging any hummingbirds in the vicinity of a feeder. Even while i continuously pour an amply supply of sweet water in the container, they refuse to share, and the chase is on.  Such a waste of energy and time; they always have more than they need. They act more like grumblingbirds than hummingbirds.

Have more than they need... 

When i stop and reflect on this, i feel an uncomfortable connection with the hummingbird.  I too have more than i need.  And instead of graciously sharing, i seem bent on getting more... more than i need of this and that.

Father, when my humming heart turns into a grumbling one, please forgive me. You have blessed me with more than i deserve.  May i stop and remember to thank You better by sharing more of what you have graciously poured out for me. 

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

hello?

The Lord says...

"He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."  Psalm 91:15

Thank You, Father, for always taking my call and picking me up when i am down and distressed.  On You, i can always depend.  I will praise Your name daily for Your unending faithfulness to me.

 

How can we possibly not love our God? Who listens to our every beckoning call or whimper?  We are so blessed to be called His children.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

crossroads...

"The LORD said: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, and ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16

Visiting a new place, i soon got lost with all the unfamiliar turns and twists before me.  My anxiety increased with each minute going down strange roads. With much relief, i soon looked up and read street signs i recognized as the way leading back to where i needed to be.

Father, i am so grateful to know that no matter where i am or what i am dealing with, You are by my side.  Uncertainties are not as unraveling when we rely on You. As we seek Your direction, peace and wisdom follow. You are the safe corner in my world.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

an unstable foundation

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Colossians  2:6-7

Just before darting out the door and late for church, i quickly slipped into a pair of old sandals belonging to my mom years ago. 

However, walking on the sidewalk at church, i noticed a weird wobble with my legs.  Once seated in the pew, i examined my shoe.  I knew about the missing heel taps, but figured no one would notice them.  But i was shocked to see one shoe had completely snapped in two! Apparently it happened while running to the car. Luckily the shoe is the only thing that broke!

Morale for the day:
Walking in a pair of my mom's old shoes... probably not wise.
Walking with God...  always wise and right.  

Thank You, Father, for continuously mending and saving souls. A foundation in You upholds us through unexpected and unstable circumstances.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

be still

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Even the busy hummingbird knows the importance of being still.  
Do you?

Rest in Him, and be fed for life.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal